” ‘Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each human being, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being. Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.’ ” (v3-6,15b-16)
There is so much doctrine in Genesis 1-11 it’s almost impossible to discuss all of it in these snippets. Here we find at least 4 more critical pieces of our Christian doctrine.
1. After the flood God allows people to eat meat. Before the flood, people (and other animals) only ate plants. Now the flood gates have been opened and every animal is fair game (more guidelines are brought in later with Moses).
2. Mankind is not to be killed. Moses hasn’t been born yet but here’s one the of ten commandments – you shall not kill another human being. If you do, or if an animal does, they will be killed in return (capital punishment). God reminds them that people are made in His image, and are therefore intrinsically valuable. Animals do not have that same value.
3. The rainbow is given as a symbol of God’s eternal covenant to never again completely destroy the world or its inhabitants with a flood. Of course there are still local floods, but this is a promise against global floods.
4. Perhaps the most important one – blood is a symbol of both life, and death. One who touches or consumes blood, is considered ceremonially unclean (more info on that later). One who unfairly sheds blood is a murderer, and in return their blood will be shed. We also know that in ch8 Noah sacrificed clean animals on an altar, so the shedding of blood has already been used as a sacrifice to God. In ch3 God killed animals and made clothes for Adam and Eve, showing that through the shedding of blood there is a forgiveness sin. We also learned that through sin there is death. Blood is one of the most powerful symbols in our doctrine – on it hinges both life and death. We are granted life through the shedding of Jesus’ blood (death).
I’m not sure what my takeaway is today, though I am continually grateful for the opportunity to spend this time each day reflecting on scripture and sharing it with brothers and sisters. I pray that with each passing day we would continue to grow in our walks with our Lord and Savior. Enjoy the day with Him.
~ Conqueror in Training